Beginning your journey in advancing your degree and education in leadership, policy, and administration can be an exciting opportunity for you to continue to engage in health care experiences. The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Healthcare Organizational Leadership (HOL) programs that provide students didactic and hands-on leadership experiences in various health care settings. The MSN HOL program tracks are the MSN HOL, MSN/MBA, and Post-Master’s HOL Certificate for students who are interested in bridging their education and career to executive leadership or doctoral programs. These programs are designed to develop students’ leadership competencies, focusing on essential skills such as organizational dynamics, healthcare quality and safety, and health finance, which are critical for effective leadership in nursing and global health settings. During your education, you will participate in 3 practicums that provide hands-on direct experience in micro, meso, and macro levels of leadership to obtain 504 advanced hours. We will discuss the structure, benefits, and key components of these practice experiences to better understand goals and objectives.
Healthcare Organizational Leadership Practicum I
During the first practicum, you will be introduced to leadership roles within the microsystem of health care organizations. These settings can include patient care units, primary care clinics, and health care agencies. Here, you will learn the role and characteristics of front-line health care leaders, such as nursing managers. Additionally, you will gain foundational knowledge and experiences in HR and financial management, as well as the intersection of technology in health care that support microsystem operations and business decisions.
Healthcare Organizational Leadership Practicum II
During the second practicum, you will build on the foundational skills developed during your first practicum. There will be a deeper emphasis on engaging organizational dynamics and leadership strategies in the meso level of nursing leadership. You will take on more complex projects and responsibilities to advance your leadership skills, lead quality improvement initiatives, and enhancing communication in interprofessional collaboration.
Healthcare Organizational Leadership Practicum III
During your third practicum, you will synthesize your knowledge and skills to apply leadership competencies at the macrosystem level of health care organizations. You will apply executive leadership principles to evaluate outcome management resources at various levels of health care. You will gain experience in explaining implications of economic and financial impacts on health care policy and decision-making. Experiences in this practicum could include precepting under the senior nursing leaders in a hospital setting or an academic dean to apply leadership skills to non-hospital settings.
The 3 practicums in the HOL programs at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing are more than education requirements – they are experiences that transform and shape future health care leaders. As you navigate your program and practicums, you will encounter opportunities and challenges that expand your horizons. You will gain practical experiences while developing the confidence needed to drive meaningful change, lead with empathy and make informed decisions that inspire those around you. Nursing needs visionary leaders who are committed to shaping and re-shaping the delivery of care.
Here is some insight from a current MSN/MBA student, Ismahan Davis, who is currently completing her first HOL practicum:
“I am completing my first practicum at MedStar in a Nursing Telemetry unit, working under the guidance of a highly experienced preceptor leader with over 20 years in the field. This experience has been incredibly valuable, both in expanding my clinical knowledge and developing my leadership skills.
One of the most applicable takeaways from my practicum is how to effectively manage nursing schedules and staffing using tools like Clairvia Staff Manager, which provides valuable insight into optimizing nurse coverage. Additionally, I’ve been deeply involved in projects related to Workplace Violence Prevention, a critical issue as incidents of aggression toward nurses have been increasing nationwide. I’ve learned practical strategies for de-escalation, conflict resolution, and supporting staff safety, which directly align with my current leadership role.
During my practicum, I took on various responsibilities, including:
- Assisting in refining the ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing) job description to ensure clear role expectations.
- Developing and reviewing a Patient Care Technician (PCT) checklist to standardize expectations and onboarding.
- Supporting schedule management and ensuring staff alignment with patient needs.
- Engaging in team dialogue and conflict resolution strategies, particularly in response to workplace aggression incidents.
Beyond these technical and operational experiences, my practicum has been instrumental in expanding my professional network. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and connect with numerous nursing and healthcare leaders, introducing myself, discussing key industry challenges, and fostering connections through LinkedIn and direct engagement. These interactions have provided insights into different leadership styles and approaches to workforce management, helping me refine my own leadership trajectory. This practicum has reinforced my passion for nursing leadership and the impact of strong communication, structure, and advocacy in improving both patient outcomes and nurse retention.”
If you are interested in learning more about the HOL programs, please connect with the Office of Admissions at [email protected] who would be more than happy to schedule time to answer any questions or speak more in-depth about the tracks. Applications for Fall 2025 are still open and will close on May 15th, 2025!
Admissions Talks is a series by the admissions team at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Hopkins nurses are full partners and leaders in the health care process, and their role in patient care is unmatched. The admissions team is here to offer advice and guidance on how to be a competitive applicant.
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Read More:
- Embarking on a Journey of Compassion and Excellence: Clinical Rotations at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
- Pre-Health Courses at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
- The Johns Hopkins Online Prerequisites for Health Profession Student Experience
About the Author: Alexander Murphy
Alexander Murphy is the Assistant Director for Diversity Initiatives and Healthcare Organizational Leadership Recruitment at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Alexander is part of the admissions team.
